Royal DSM, a global science-based company in nutrition, health and sustainable living, announced that it is pursuing a patent infringement lawsuit in China against a competitor for misappropriation of intellectual property (IP) pertaining to the production of a key ingredient of biotin (also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H).

On Aug. 2, DSM IP Assets B.V. and two related operating group companies — DSM Vitamins (Shanghai) Ltd. and DSM Vitamins Trading (Shanghai) Ltd. — served a suit against Anhui Tiger in China for patent infringement. Based on their complaint, DSM seeks an injunction preventing Tiger from using an innovative, patented process for the "environmentally friendly" manufacture of a key ingredient in biotin, the announcement said, noting that DSM is also seeking monetary damages that result from Tiger’s infringement.

“Our business has always been focused on bringing new and innovative processes, advanced products and nutritional solutions to our customers in the animal and human micronutrient market. Developing and protecting intellectual property is a key component of our strategy to support our significant investments in that market. We are confident in the value and strength of our patent portfolio, and we will defend our intellectual property across the world when necessary. The present litigation underlines DSM’s seriousness and confidence in enforcing its IP rights,” said Dr. Thomas Beck, senior vice president innovation, DSM Nutritional Products Ltd.

DSM delivers innovative business solutions for human nutrition, animal nutrition, personal care and aroma, medical devices, green products and applications and new mobility and connectivity. DSM and its associated companies deliver annual net sales of about 10 billion euros and have approximately 23,000 employees.